Sanitization has become the most important hotel amenity of modern times. But how clean is clean enough? by Jackie Caradonio
LATE LAST JUNE, I checked into a hotel. After three months of lockdown, it felt like an entirely new experience. And in many ways, it was: In lieu of the usual arrival cocktail and friendly conversation was a plastic partition that protected the front desk and a QR code that linked to a digital document, which I read and signed on my phone.
The document was essentially a series of promises–for my part, the assurance that I was not exhibiting COVID symptoms and would agree to wear a mask in all public areas; on the hotel’s end, a veritable manifesto of new protocols. New cleaning agents were being used, contactless methods had replaced services, social distancing rules were enforced, and all hotel rooms would be left empty for at least 24 hours between bookings. The “buffer,” as the hotel called it, would ensure that any coronavirus particles that might have attached to the surfaces in that room would die, thereby adding an extra level of safety for guests and housekeeping staff.
It was all so reassuring–until my last day at the hotel, when I inquired at the front desk about a late checkout. I was told I could unfortunately not be accommodated. A new arrival was expected for my room that very afternoon.
As more of us begin to venture out for business and pleasure–even as the pandemic continues–hotels have endeavored to set our minds at ease with a myriad of new protocols and promises. Hospital-grade disinfectants, HEPA filters and electrostatic sprays have all replaced top-shelf minibars and white-glove room service as the most sought after amenities, but which protocols genuinely work? And which are just really good marketing?
Experts are still learning 1) how the coronavirus spreads, and 2) about new variants, absent any comprehensive guidelines from the governing bodies, hotels have been left to go it alone. To tackle the issue, many brands have established advisory boards and medical partnerships to help wade through the latest data and recommendations. Marriott has brought together dozens of doctors and healthcare experts to create its Global Cleanliness Council; Hilton’s CleanStay program was developed in partnership with the Mayo Clinic and RB, the maker of Lysol; and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts has collaborated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International to establish its new Lead with Care guidelines.
In some destinations, COVID-fighting measures have been standardized on a government level. Last September, Qatar launched its Qatar Clean program, with a 32-page manual detailing guidelines that all of its hotels must follow, including twice-daily staff temperature checks, contactless check-in and check-out, and hospital-grade disinfection techniques. Properties that do not meet the requirements during random inspections are fined. Other destinations, including Hong Kong, have begun to roll out similar certification programs. But are the new guidelines enough?
Dr. Adrian Hyzler, chief medical officer at Healix International, which specializes in medical and travel-assistance, suggests following one simple rule no matter where or how you travel. Known as the Three Cs, it calls for avoiding crowded places, close-contact settings, and closed spaces with poor ventilation. The directive, which originated in Japan, “is what I go by in everyday life,” he says.
And what about that same-day turnover at my hotel? Shortly after I checked out, the World Health Organization announced that cleaning, disinfecting and ventilating a room should sufficiently sanitize it without any need for extended periods between stays. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also claimed only a small amount of transmission occurs via surfaces. Take that, however, with a caveat from Hyzler: “I would still go around and wipe every surface down,” he says. “And I would want the windows to be opened and everything aired out. I think, with that, I would be quite happy to check in to a hotel.”
Departures, The Escapes Issue, January | February 2021
It is possible to tell, this 🙂 exception to the rules?